How long does it take to walk the Granada convent route?

The full walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to appreciate the architecture and wait at the 'tornos' for sweets. The distance is about 3 kilometers from Plaza Pescadería to La Cartuja.

Is it worth visiting the Cartuja Monastery in Granada?

Absolutely. Known as the 'Christian Alhambra', it features some of the most spectacular Baroque architecture in Europe. The Sacristy's intricate white stucco work is a world-class artistic achievement located just outside the main city center.

Can I buy sweets from nuns in Granada every day?

Most convents sell sweets daily, but they usually close during the 'siesta' hours (1:30 PM to 5:00 PM). The best time to visit is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the sisters are most likely to be attending the windows.

What are the must-try sweets at Granada's convents?

Look for 'Yemas de San Leandro' (egg yolk sweets), 'Huesos de Santo' (marzipan), and 'Pestiños' (honey-coated fritters). Each convent often has its own specialty based on centuries-old secret recipes.

Is this self-guided walk suitable for seniors?

Yes, the route is rated as easy. Most of the walk is on flat city streets, though the final walk to the Cartuja Monastery is uphill. Travelers can easily take a local bus or taxi for that final segment if preferred.

Where does the Cloisters and Confectionery walk start?

The walk begins at Plaza Pescadería, which is centrally located near the Granada Cathedral. It is easily accessible by all major city bus lines stopping at Plaza Isabel la Católica.

Are the convents in Granada open to the public?

While the living quarters of the cloistered nuns are private, the chapels and 'tornos' (sales windows) are accessible to the public. Some larger complexes like San Jerónimo and La Cartuja operate as museums with standard entry fees.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the bustling crowds of the Alhambra and into the serene, silent world of Granada's historic convents. This neighborhood stroll reveals a centuries-old tradition where cloistered life meets culinary art. In the narrow alleys of the city center and the Albaicín, hidden behind thick stone walls, nuns have spent generations perfecting recipes for 'dulces de convento'—traditional sweets like almond-based 'yemas' and honeyed pastries. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the architectural evolution of the city, from Renaissance masterpieces to the 'Christian Alhambra' of the Spanish Baroque. Along this walking route, you will discover the unique 'torno' system—a revolving wooden window that allows the public to purchase handmade delicacies without ever breaking the nuns' vow of seclusion. It is a rare glimpse into a living history that remains largely unchanged since the 16th century. Beyond the sugar-dusted treats, you will encounter the resting place of the 'Great Captain' at San Jerónimo and the breathtaking ornamentation of the Cartuja Monastery. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a food lover looking for authentic local flavors, this independent exploration offers a peaceful and flavorful way to experience the spiritual heart of Granada.

Highlights

Purchase traditional 'dulces de convento' through a secret revolving wooden window

Marvel at the Renaissance architecture of the Monasterio de San Jerónimo

Explore the 'Christian Alhambra' at the stunning Cartuja Monastery

Learn about the 'Great Captain', Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba

Visit the oldest convent in the city at Comendadoras de Santiago

Admire Mudejar art at the Convento de Santa Catalina de Zafra

Tour Stops (6)

Plaza Pescadería

Welcome to the heart of Granada. Plaza Pescadería, once the city’s bustling fish market, serves as the gateway between the commercial center and the spiritual quarters. As you stand here, you are surrounded by the layers of Granada’s history. To your north lies the Cathedral, built over the Great Mosque, signaling the transition to Christian rule in 1492. This walk focuses on that transition, specifically through the institutions that provided social stability and, surprisingly, confectionery. Take a moment to appreciate the open space before we head into the narrower streets where the city's cloisters have stood for centuries.

Convent of the Sisters of the Incarnation

This convent, the Monasterio de la Encarnación, is a prime example of the early Christian structures built shortly after the Reconquista. The architecture reflects the austerity of the Carmelite order. While the exterior might seem plain, it guards a life of devotion. Look for the 'torno'—the revolving wooden drum. This device allowed the cloistered nuns to receive supplies and sell their famous almond cakes without being seen. It remains a functional piece of history, bridging the gap between the modern street and the medieval cloisters within.

Monasterio de San Jerónimo

You are standing before a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance. The Monastery of San Jerónimo was the first to be founded in Granada after the conquest. Its most striking feature is the church, which houses the tomb of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, known as the 'Gran Capitán'. He was the military genius who revolutionized European warfare. The interior is a riot of gold leaf and intricate carvings, designed to impress and inspire. The orange-tree-filled cloisters here offer one of the most peaceful atmospheres in the entire city.

Convento de Santa Catalina de Zafra

Located at the foot of the Albaicín, this convent is housed in a former Moorish palace. You can see the Mudejar influence in the brickwork and the layout. The Zafra convent is particularly famous for its 'huesos de santo' (marzipan rolls) and other traditional sweets. The tradition of nun-made confectionery likely stems from a need for the convents to be self-sufficient, using local ingredients like almonds, honey, and sugar—remnants of the region's Islamic agricultural heritage. It’s a literal taste of Granada’s multicultural past.

Monasterio Comendadoras de Santiago

This is the oldest convent in Granada, founded by the Catholic Monarchs themselves. It belongs to the military Order of Santiago. The nuns here are legendary for their culinary skills. They offer a wide variety of sweets, from 'pestiños' to 'bizcochos'. This stop highlights the social role of convents in the Realejo district, where they acted as anchors for the community. The quiet courtyard and the scent of baking sugar often drift out into the street, providing a sensory landmark for passersby.

La Cartuja (Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción)

Our final stop is a bit of a climb, but well worth the effort. La Cartuja is often called the 'Christian Alhambra' due to its incredible Baroque interior. While the Carthusian monks who lived here practiced a vow of silence and extreme simplicity, their church is anything but simple. The Sacristy, in particular, is an explosion of white stucco and brown marble, representing the peak of Spanish Baroque art. It is a dramatic conclusion to our walk, showing how Granada’s religious architecture evolved from the somber Renaissance to this theatrical, heavenly display.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Cloisters and Confectionery' route is ideal for foodies as it combines history with the unique tradition of 'dulces de convento'. You can explore the city center and the Albaicín while stopping to buy handmade sweets through revolving windows at active convents.